Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)

Christopher Paolini

I still can't fully decide whether Paolini is an incredible writer or just a good copy of Tolkien. ...more

I still can't fully decide whether Paolini is an incredible writer or just a good copy of Tolkien. Undoubtedly, Paolini is very heavily reliant upon the mythology of Middle-earth which Tolkien created. The elves, dwarves, and humans of Alageisia are mostly parallel to their counterparts in Middle-earth. Urgals are basically equal to Orcs. Paolini relies on Tolkien's conception of honor as well. Overall, Paolini's trilogy doesn't have the depth or brilliance of The Lord of the Rings. Literary classes won't be taught on this trilogy. Truly, because Paolini relies so heavily on the template set forth by Tolkien, it's inevitable that he would place a very distant second. All that said, Paolini is a wonderful story-teller and varies enogh from LOTR to make it an entirely new read and story. His addition of Dragon's into the landscape as well as the further clarification and use of magic to fill out his characters are well done. Both Eragon and Eldest have been enjoyable books that are hard to put down. Paolini really lets you know his characters and you feel disappointed to finish and sever that connection with their story. For anyone who loved the story of LOTR, I would recommend this book highly for its narrative value.    hide

As for the second installment, I read about half of it and returned it to the library. Sorry, but...more

As for the second installment, I read about half of it and returned it to the library. Sorry, but this time I wasn't even gripped by the story (which was also a copy, paste, edit fantasy) and I still couldn't look past the grammatical no nos. You just don't use the same adjectives to describe different things in the same paragraph, and that is just one of his minor infractions. For this reason, amongst others, is why it SHOULD take as long as it does to establish yourself as an author. This one gets an F grade, and if you know me at all, I only hand out Fs to the books I don't finish without intent to ever read again. The third book, I won't even read the dust jacket to. Not worth my time.   hide

Incredible improvement over the first volume in the series. Paolini actually puts some of his own...more

Incredible improvement over the first volume in the series. Paolini actually puts some of his own ideas and story concepts in the book and proves he actually can write without it already being spoon-fed to him. Engaging storyline that will keep you interested, as far as the main character is concerned. However, almost half the book could be effectively cut and left in the rubbish bin. **spoiler** I don't know about other readers, but I thought the storyline with the side characters was flat, and not necessary **end spoiler**   hide

took me about 400 pages to get truely invested in it, but when i did... absolutely amazing. i was...more

took me about 400 pages to get truely invested in it, but when i did... absolutely amazing. i was so connected with this book when i finished with it it was all i thought of for 3 whole days. you do have to get past the beginning endless chapters of roran to get to the amazing section of elven training, their life is so beautiful you feel like you could jump into the pages and become an elf yourself and live your entirety there till the end of existence. dwarf mythology was inspiring and the end was mindblowingly phenomenal. i can't wait till the next one!   hide

My biggest complaint with paolini's writing is his inability to subltly alter and transform...more

My biggest complaint with paolini's writing is his inability to subltly alter and transform characters. Through most of the story everthing seems to happen through magic or after a single turning point. However, I will give credit where credit is due. His writing and storytelling improved as the book when along. the plot twist with Murtagh was unexpected and cleverly forshadowed during the battle. However, his attempts to set up this twist in the beginning of the novel were a bit too obvious. Still, I hope his style continues to improve an that the third book comes out soon.   hide